Missing man was trying to rescue date swept off rocks

The search continues for a 31-year-old Perth man who was swept off rocks near Peaceful Bay on Saturday afternoon.

Inspector Mark Twamley said the search had resumed at first light after being called off last night due to poor conditions.

“SES and police vehicles are conducting a ground search along the coast and we have a fixed-wing aircraft activated,” he said.

“There are no signs as of yet but we maintain hope.”

The man was believed to be in the region on a date for the weekend with a woman.

The woman was being photographed by the man when she was swept into the ocean, prompting the man to send an angel ring into the water and then raise the alarm with nearby locals.

He returned with a boogie board and entered the water in an attempt to save the woman.

The pair was last sighted 200m offshore before being swept 2km west along the coast.

The woman was able to make her way into shore and was found by a group of fisherman, however the man did not make it back.

The woman has been transferred to Albany Health Campus and is being treated for lacerations to her feet, shock and hypothermia.

Insp. Twamley said boats and jet skis from local marine rescue groups and surf lifesaving clubs were also in use as part of the search.

“Conditions are better today and are easing throughout the day so that will allow us to search in more detail and with more assets,” he said